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John Mitzewich, A.K.A. Chef John, is known for his food-focused recipe videos and approachable dishes that build the confidence of homecooks. With recipes such as “Ants Climbing a Tree” Glass Noodles, Mocha Chip Ice Box Cake, and Chicken Cordon Bleu for One, it’s no surprise that Chef John has a solid group of devoted fans. One curious Redditor asked what specifically the “Food Wishes” YouTuber was known for, and one user’s comment summed it up in a way that received over 800 upvotes from others who agreed.
“He's got great technical skill, and there is a lot of creativity to his dishes, which you might miss because he doesn't draw attention to it, and his dishes are often quite homey and comforting. He's the absolute real deal, though,” they wrote.
This past March, Chef John hosted an Ask Me Anything, commonly known as an AMA on Reddit, that allowed fans to ask their most burning questions. Many took the opportunity to ask for recipe recommendations and hobbies. However, some asked about personal preferences, including favorite snacks. The chef revealed that his go-to snack is a versatile and budget-friendly pantry staple that will satisfy your hunger again and again.
Chef John’s Favorite Snack
When asked what snack he always has in stock, Chef John didn’t hesitate to share his secret to a filling, but speedy meal. “One of our favorite snacks is to have cooked white rice available, which we put in a bowl, heat up, and then add olive oil, chopped raw walnuts, furikake, rice vinegar, and a little bit of hot sauce,” he wrote. ”That's one of our most popular go-to snacks,”
It’s easy to see why cooked white rice is Chef John’s favorite. Not only is it a great way to use leftover rice, but the options for customization are endless. Chef John’s spin incorporates all the essential elements: texture from the walnuts, a hint of tang from the vinegar, heat and acid from the hot sauce, and even a kick of umami from the furikake.
Now that we know how one of our favorite chefs likes to snack, let’s dive into ways to customize this dish to fit your preferences.
How To Transform Leftover Rice Into a Satisfying Snack
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While leftover rice may not be what you imagine reaching for as the mid-day hunger pangs hit, there’s no doubt that it's a quick and filling meal. Remember, the idea is not to be complicated but to be tasty, fast, and use ingredients you already have on hand.
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start with warm cooked rice: What makes this a convenient snack is already having cooked rice on hand. The microwave is sufficient to reheat rice, but if you have the time, it will taste even better warmed on the stovetop. Or go ahead and use that microwave pouch of instant rice (no judgment here).
- Add vegetables: Leftover veggies work great in this dish, but you can use bite-sized raw ones too. Depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for, you can determine which vegetables best complement your meal. For example, for a Mediterranean-inspired bowl, squash and tomatoes work well. Alternatively, if you’re planning to use a drizzle of Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce, shredded carrots, and cucumber make great crunchy additions.
- Create dimension with sauce: Chef John mentioned a splash of rice vinegar as well as hot sauce to add excitement to his plain rice. Feel free to choose the same ones, or sort through your condiment shelf to see what sounds good. If nothing else, a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt can add moisture to the reheated rice and revive the flavors it may have lost during refrigeration.
- Utilize textured toppings: Similar to smoothie bowls, rice bowls are even better when loaded with crunchy toppings. Finely chopped nuts, seeds, or fried onions can add a pop of flavor without extra effort.
- If you’ve got time to spare, add protein: While a serving of rice could be enough to satisfy you between meals, adding protein will take this snack to the next level. Adding a pouch of tuna for a sushi-style bowl, diced rotisserie chicken, or even black beans can take it up a notch without increasing your time in the kitchen.
16 Delicious Rice Bowls for Dinner
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